Maine Stater : December 9, 1988

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For over 400 MSEA delegates, officers, and guests it was a memorable two days in November. The landslide vote in favor of trial affiliation with the Service Employees International Union was a significant moment in MSEA history, but that wasn’t the whole of it. MSEA’s 45th Annual Meeting at the Samoset Resort in Rockport also reaffirmed the Association’s policy-making tradition and its capacity for leadership, and left it stronger at the end.

Debate at this Convention reflected purpose and determination. There were expressions of uncertainty and disagreement. But delegates did their job well.

Friday morning November 4 began early with delegate registration and an opportunity for those who wished to meet SEIU representatives over donuts and coffee in a nearby hospitality room. President Jim Webster gaveled the business meeting to order on time, asking delegates for a relaxed approach to parliamentary procedure for the I Convention agenda. He got it. Following rus welcoming | speech and Executive Director Phil Merrill’s report and review of written MSEA Committee reports, Webster turned to the order of business.

The question of MSEA’s trial affiliation with SEIU came first, .. in the form of a resolution submitted by the Affiliation j Committee. Former President and Affiliation Committee j member Bob Ruhlin read the resolution to the assembly, and delegates lined up at the microphone for debate. Retiree John McCusker spoke first, in favor. Others spoke against, arguing that the Affiliation Committee had overstepped its authority, or that the question should be put to a j membership-wide vote rather than to elected MSEA J representatives.

Debate continued through the morning and into the early afternoon. The high point occurred when delegate Louise LaChance of Augusta spoke — loud and clear — urging the delegates to try affiliation, and if it didn’t work out, to vote again during the trial period.

Finally, a motion to close debate passed and a last handful of speakers took their turn. When President Webster called for a standing vote on affiliation, well over two-thirds of the delegation rose to say yes. Cheers and applause followed, and the meeting recessed temporarily to take a breath and consider its action. It was an emotional moment for many, especially those whose months of decision-making and hard work on affiliation led to this moment.

Delegates were back to business in no time. They approved MSEA’s budget for 1989, and began discussion of twenty-two other resolutions. The day proceeded swiftly.

Saturday morning was the time for election of officers, (Webster and Turowski ran unopposed for President and Continued on p. 2

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MSEA President Jim Webster holds affiliation charter presented to him and Vice-President Mary Anne Turowski by SEIU President John Sweeney (center).

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/ believe the Affiliation Committee has more than fulfilled its obligations, well within the mandate it was given. Four years is plenty of time for us to determine whether this relationship is going to be beneficial to MSEA. We’ve got to be able to take a risk, look toward the future. I’m totally in favor of affiliation.

Alfred Greenlaw, Orrington, Penobscot Chapter

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By Phil Merrill, Executive Director This fall, during the period when our Affiliation Committee was reporting its recommendations to the membership, many members expressed deep concerns about how the proposed affiliation would affect the rank and file of MSEA. In the heat of the ensuing discussions, some members developed concerns which were not based in fact, but nevertheless were difficult to put to rest. With that debate behind us, it is important for all MSEA members to gain some common understanding of what to expect and what not to expect now that MSEA is also Local 1989 of the SEIU. There will be no drastic changes in the manner that MSEA relates to our members. Things that will not happen this year as a result of affiliation: dues will not go up as a result of the affiliation vote at the Convention; the people you call when you need assistance will not change, the way we elect our leaders and run our unbn will not change, the constructive but firm approach we bring to our duties of representation will not change.

The changes you should expect to see are gradual improvements in the resources that we can bring to bear on behalf of Maine’s public employees. This year, MSEA’s first priority has to be negotiating new contracts with the employer which recognize new pressures, financial and otherwise, which are impacting our members. Our relationship with the SEIU will give us additional tools in research and public relations to bring to bear in order to bring these negotiations to successful conclusion. This process has already begun and I believe the changes in our approach will be noticed and appreciated by all members. But, while sharpening our tools and doing a better job at keeping you

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informed, the decision-making process will remain in the hands of the elected members of the MSEA Bargaining Teams and Bargaining Committees.

Beyond collective bargaining, MSEA members who have an interest in legislative action will see an enhancing of our resources in that arena. These changes we hope will include more personnel resources there, as well as the ability to better coordinate the activities of MSEA and other public sector unions in Maine.

Members can also expect to see gradual, qualitative changes in the means of communication, such as our Maine Stater and other written communications. Education programs will grow in scope as we "take advantage of SEIU trainers to supplement our own operations. Most of our educational programs are run for people who wish to take leadership roles in MSEA, so the rank and file may only see the indirect benefits of these problems. But in the last couple of years we have begun to expand these programs and members who participate will benefit directly. These programs will build upon such current educational programs as orientation training for all new state employees and pre-retirement training for our members planning for retirement.

There will be many changes of these kinds, all aimed at helping us to do a better job for our membership. As this year goes on, I will report from time to time on specific changes and improvements. I am certain that as the year unfolds most will become convinced as I am, that the only thing that changes with affiliation is that we get just that much better at representing our members.

D e l e g a t e s v o t e (cont’d. from p.1) Vice-President) and Board Directors. Along with returning veterans, several new leaders were chosen: Carol Fleury and Cathy Cotton in Area II, Wayne Hollingworth and Charlie Knapp in Area III. At Saturday’s lunch, Maine AFL-CIO President Charles O’Leary welcomed the affiliation vote, telling delegates he anticipated MSEA’s participation in that body. Past MSEA Presidents Dick McDonough, Al Willis, Dick Trahey, Gerry Stanton, and Bob Ruhlin were re-acquainted with delegates, and new Board members introduced.

Resolutions were finished on Saturday afternoon.

Delegates broke early! The banquet that night featured a greeting and welcome by SEIU President John Sweeney, and introduction of guests from SEA of New Hampshire, Vermont SEA, and the New Brunswick Public Employees Association. Awards were given to MSEA’s top achievers.

In keeping with MSEA custom, a dance followed the banquet. So the 1988 Convention ended, a blend of tradition and significant change, with a unified, optimistic spirit to approach the tasks of the year to come.

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There will be a special meeting of the Convention (1988 delegates) on January 28,1989 at the Augusta Civic Center to consider two items of business: selection of an active employee representative to fill the Maine State Retirement System Board of Trustees seat vacated by Dick McDonough; and consideration of a resolution to change the MSEA By-Laws to allow the 1989 Convention to be held in December.

A special mailing will be sent to all delegates with information on candidates seeking the Retirement System Board of Trustees seat.

T H E M A IN E S T A T E R Phil Merrill, Editor Don Matson, Managing Editor (USPS 709-700) is published monthly for $1.80 per year by the Maine State Employees Association, 65 S ta te S tre e t, A ugusta, ME 04330. Second-class postage paid at Augusta, Maine and ad­ ditional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Maine Stater.

MSEA, 65 State Street, Augus­ ta, ME 04330.

DIRECTORS OFFICERS AREA I PRESIDENT John Hinkiey JimWebster Dan Glidden Box 5 52 Glen Ave. Box 351 Farmington Falls Augusta, ME 04330 Ashland, ME 04732 04940 George Burgoyne 228 Center St. Fred Chase Box 606 VICE PRESIDENT Bangor 04401 Bradford 04410 Mary Anne Turowski AREA III P. O. Box 819 Barry Cote Bangor, ME 04401 Eunice Cotton 26 Taylor St. 3 Lancaster Place A ugusta, ME04330 Augusta, ME 04330 Muffie Sevigny Bruce Hodsdon SECRETARY R.R. 1, Box 2030 RFD#1, Box 1515 Norma Arnold Windsor 04363 RFD#5, Box 243 N. Monmouth 04265 Augusta, ME 04330 AREA III Darryl Schoiz Ray Dzialo 21BLindsey St. R.R. #3, Box 230G Rockland 04841 Biddeford, ME 04005 Brad Ronco Bob Galloupe RFD#1, Box 460 St Box 681 HaMowell, ME 04347 J ™ £ 1 ^ Brunswick 04011 RETIREE DIRECTOR AiixCaldwell Lee Street Wiscasset 04578

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STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Phil Merrill ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Stephen L. Leech, Collective Bargaining John Lemieux, Legislative Affairs CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL Roberta deAraujo DIRECTOR, FIELD SERVICES Roger Parlin DIRECTOR, FINANCE &ADMINISTRATION Joan C. Towle ATTORNEYS John McCurry Eric Nelson ASS’T. NEGOTIATOR INSURANCE Chuck Hillier ' DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL COORDINATOR Ethelyn Purdy PROJECTS ACCOUNT CLERK John Marvin Carmen Gardner RESEARCH SUPPORT STAFF Steven Butterfield Doris Petroski COMMUNICATIONS Carol Wilson Don Matson Debbie Roy EDUCATION/TRAINING Cheryl Stoddard Wanda Ingham Crystal Hodsdon AndrewWing FIELD Donna Davis REPRESENTATIVES Kathy Weymouth Ron Ahlquist Missy Fellows Roger Dunning Andy Birch John Graham Beth Jackson Sandy Dionne TimWooten RECLASSIFICA­ Carol Webb TION ANALYST Robert McLaughlin Pamela Morin

Affiliated With the Service Employees International Union AFL-CIO, CLC

65 State Street Augusta, Maine 04330 Tel. (207) 622-3151 1-800-452-6794

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After it ended, the overwhelming consensus among those who attended was that it had the best convention in years: very few delays, no knotty problems of parliamentary procedure, open debate on major issues, and a spirit of unity at the close. One crucial reason, everyone agreed, was MSEA President Jim Webster’s performance at the podium.

In many ways representative of the union’s new leadership, Webster made the complicated job of guiding the annual decision-making process — and allowing for expression of the many diverse points of view which go into it — smooth and effective.

In his speech opening the 1989 Annual Meeting, Webster admitted that while in 1987 he thought he was prepared for his first year as MSEA President, he knew there was much to learn — and he learned a lot. Reflecting on the first Board meeting of 1988 and recalling some of the struggle within that body in past years, he described its most important result as “a better understanding of our roles as representatives of the membership.”

“We brainstormed about the many things we could do to improve the way MSEA services its members,” Webster said to the board. Then they preceeded to go to work. He complimented Board members and other union leaders for their role in many aspects of the organization’s activities in 1988, especially in committee work. He drew attention to some key examples: • “With the leadership of Carol Fleury, MSEA’s Clerical Committee embarked on a new challenge to get clerical workers involved in MSEA” — a long-term goal sought by MSEA which should ultimately benefit many members.

• “The Pre-retirement Committee, in which Retiree Steering Committee members and Board member Eunice Cotton were deeply involved, was responsible for establishing a much-appreciated program that over 200 future retirees have already attended.”

• “Under the leadership of Vice President Mary Anne Turowski and Board Member Bruce Hodsdon, collective bargaining for Executive Branch employees was reviewed and improved. Now, we will have much more discipline over our demands, impressing upon the State that all the issues we bring to the table are important to all of us.”

• MSEA efforts to streamline the union’s legislative E l e c t i o n

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Jim Webster of Augusta, MSEA’s current President, and Mary Anne Turowski of Bangor, Vice President, ran unopposed for re-election and were given second one-year terms of office by delegates at the 1988 Convention.

Webster is a Medical Claims Evaluator in the Augusta Department of Human Services. Turowski an Income Maintenance Specialist for Human Services in Bangor.

The positions of MSEA Treasurer and Secretary for 1989 will be appointed by the President with the concurrence of the new Board of Directors. Brad Ronco of Hallowell and Norma Arnold of Manchester currently hold those posi­ tions.

New Board Directors Three new Directors were chosen by delegates to join the Board. Four incumbents were sent back for second terms.

Alix Caldwell of Wiscasset, Retiree Director in 1988, returns to that position in 1989.

In Area I, Fred Chase of Bradford and John Hinkley of Farmington Falls were re-elected for two-year terms.

Area II saw two new candidates get Board seats. Carol Fleury of Winthrop, a Clerk III for Human Services in Augusta, and Cathleen Cotton of Readfield, a Laboratory Technician in Augusta’s Department of Agriculture, replaced retiring Directors Eunice Cotton and Bruce Hodsdon.

Wayne Hollingworth of Freeport, a Training Specialist in Lewiston Human Services, came back to win a Board seat after previous service in 1986. Joining him is Charles Knapp of Gray, a Supervisor for the Maine Turnpike Authority. They succeed outgoing Director Bob Galloupe and Darryl Scholz, who resigned this fall when he took a job in the Institutional Services bargaining unit.

Finance Committee Normand Cote of East Newport and Chris Crinion of Topsham are returning veterans to the Finance Committee in 1989. Delegates also chose Marie Louise LaChance of Augusta, an account clerk, and Jim Clarkson of Bangor, a financial analyst, to serve with them in the coming year.

Louise Hinkley of Newcastle, a librarian with the

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process, led by Directors George Burgoyne and Barry Cote, will now allow for a “more orderly process for collecting and developing our legislative agenda.”

• Of lasting significance, Webster said, was the comprehensive job undertaken by the Ad Hoc Committee to study affiliation. “The work of this Committee has given this year’s Convention the opportunity to decide whether we should affiliate with the Service Employees International Union on a trial basis. I believe if not for the hard work and dedication of members of that Committee, we would not have this tremendous opportunity before us for consideration today.”

(Affiliation Committee members in addition to Webster and Turowski: former presidents Bob Ruhlin, Gerry Stanton, and Dick Trahey; Treasurer Brad Ronco; retirees Phil Goggins and Bill Deering; Board members Darryl Scholz, George Burgoyne, and Muffie Sevigny; and members Calvin Hall, M

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Cathy Cotton, and Wayne Hollingworth.)

Webster also praised the ongoing work of several labor-management committees in behalf of clerical needs, employee health and safety, and seeking to solve problems of employee stress.

“The effect of this work, by these committees, is to increase the power of this union,” he told delegates. “It could not have been possible without members recognizing the importance of their participation, and the wisdom of previous Conventions in electing a Board they knew could do the work that needed to be done.”

With those words, and thanking delegates for “the honor of serving you as President of this great union,” Jim Webster moved to the Annual Meeting’s business at hand. Though he could do hardly more than touch upon some of the many contributions *made by hundreds of members over the previous twelve months, his message was clear: kept first in mind by each was the best interests of all.

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Department of Education and Cultural Services, and Bob Bender of Gardiner, a Clerk Typist II were chosen as alternates, but will fill out the last two committee positions in January when they are vacated by Wayne Hollingworth and Cathleen Cotton, who were elected to the Board of Directors.

Other alternates who will serve if any of the above cannot, are Leo Arau of Coopers Mills, a retiree, and Lesley Clark of Windsor, an accountant.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NEW LEADERS!

New Board Director Charles Knapp at the workplace.

Incoming Area III Board Director Wayne Hollingworth talks with outgoing Director Bob Galloupe.

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John McCusker (retiree), Augusta, Fred M. Berry #1 Chapter I had the opportunity to visit the staff of SEIU in Washington, D.C., talk with those people, see the resources.

I can assure you that we retirees presented them with some very hard questions. I’m satisfied that these people are honest and straightforward . . . my personal opinion is we have a good move in front of us, and I would like to go on record in favor of this trial affiliation period.

Ed Sliva, Coopers Mills, Frank Marston Chapter I’m a mechanic and I guess on the lower end of the pay scale. Anybody that works for DOT, they all know the conditions we work under. If anything could help us, it would be the industnal hygenists on the SEIU staff . . . they've helped us with health and safety in the last month already.

Shirley Rosen, Portland, Cumberland Chapter The membership had confidence in us to send us here as delegates. We should have that same confidence in the Affiliation Committee’s recommendation. I do support affiliation.

Peggy Rice, Lincolnville, Harborside Chapter . . . I see this as a giant step forward and a very hopeful sign for the future of this organization. I do believe you get what you pay for. As a delegate, I belie ? I was not only elected to represent my members, but to use my judgment and in the end, vote my conscience. With an understanding that a vote could go out to the rank and file before the end of the 4-year agreement, when we can all decide for ourselves whether the benefits outweigh the costs, I’ll be voting today in favor of affiliation.

December, 1988

Maine Stater

Speaking, Listening, Deciding -asm.

Calvin Hall, Westfield, Central Aroostook Chapter 1 believe that affiliation is a positive ste p b ecau se o f the resources w e can have. Having w orked in Caribou Hum an S ervices fo r seven o f m y eig ht years as a sta te em ployee, 1 can sa y those health an d s a fe ty reso urces can b e valuable.

I also b elieve I'm qualified an d have a rig ht to rep res en t those folks w ho e le c te d m e as a d e le g a te . . . I’m n o t afraid to m ake a decision h ere. I ’m supporting affiliation.

John Moran, Readfield, Kermit Nickerson Chapter W hen 1 first h eard ab o ut affiliation, 1 had som e re a l concerns. B ut I fe lt I o w e d it to m yself an d to the ch ap ter to find o ut as m uch as 1 could ab o ut S E lU an d the pro po sed affiliation.

A t o ur statew ide bargaining com m ittee m eeting in Augusta tw o w eeks ago, 1 h eard a p resentation b y Jean Ross, A ssistant D irecto r o f R esearch a t S E lU . S h e gave us com parisons with o th e r states ab o ut h o w M ain e raises an d spends its m oney, an d w h eth er it could affo rd a substantial, n ew contract. This kind o f research w ill b e a re al sh o t in the arm w hen w e go to bargain w ith th e S tate.

I s e e this as an opportunity an d 1intend to c a s t m y vote in favor o f affiliation.

Jonathan Norberg, Gardiner, Transportation Chapter I ’ve loo ked a t the contract. I'v e loo ked a t the financial num bers. I hon estly b elieve th at it is g o o d fo r M S E A an d for us individually as w ell, to vote fo r the affiliation.

Debbie Matson, Cherryfield, Hancock Chapter It w e ’re going to affiliate, n ow is th e tim e to do it. W e have a fair co n tract with S E lU in front o f us, an d w e w ill com e out ahead.

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Phil Merrill In his fifth Annual Meeting report, Executive Director Phil Merrill praised the energy and dedication of leaders he has worked with over the last four years and spoke of the union’s accomplishments in 1988 as “impressive — another year of real and substantial progress for our members.”

Merrill also talked about the major issue before Convention delegates, affiliation with the Service Employees International Union he placed it in the historical context of major decisions undertaken by the union’s chief policy-making body.

“Affiliation is an important question about what tools we need,” he said, “but it is not as important as reaffirming the willingness of this Council to exercise its own best judgment on issues of this kind. At this Convention, it is imperative that you reassert your willingness to make the tough decisions and be held accountable for the consequences. If you favor affiliation, fight to make it happen; if you think it would be a mistake, then by all means be counted among the opponents.”

Merrill highlighted MSEA achievements of the year gone by, headed by Maine Maritime Academy employees’ decision to join MSEA. “This is a matter of special pride because not only did this represent the largest unorganized group of public sector workers in Maine, but a return of MSEA to a campus where we had many members prior to the passage of the collective bargaining law,” he said.

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Merrill also singled out significant legislation passed in 1988 with long-term benefits to MSEA members —an indoor air quality law, mental health institution funding, creation of the Maine State Employees Health Commission, and deferment of federal taxes on members’ retirement contributions until after they retire.

He noted union improvements in communication, citing MSEA’s new publication, Insider, and “mayor improvements in our education and retiree programs with pre-retirement training.”

Member participation in directly shaping MSEA goals was another vital feature of 1988.

“Our Labor-Management Committees have continued their great work,” Merrill said. "To mention just three: the Stress Labor-Management Committee is conducting surveys of the workforce, safety has moved forward with a program which will have a designated safety steward in every worksite who will receive training on state time; and Health has made improvements in the dental plan and drug purchase programs aiming at controlling future cost increases.

“It is important to focus on what we are doing right,” he emphasized, asserting that MSEA has been willing to try new approaches “when others are stuck in the methods of the 1930’s.

“In the past our delegates have chosen to exercise leadership and to act. We are strong because of that fact.”

Merrill described the affiliation vote as one testing the fundamental, representative nature of MSEA. “Where the elected representatives make the decisions and are held accountable for the results, then the members can elect their representatives on the basis of their true level of satisfaction with the overall results,” he argued. “In a system where leaders wait to be lead by a body as a whole, then no one is at fault when the group fails, and the electorate is left with no practical means to make their dissatisfaction felt.”

Merrill concluded his remarks by urging delegates to “chart a course that will make us more effective advocates for our members.”

“This year,” he said, “the Affiliation Committee traveled some distance and earned what knowledgeable observers from outside Maine think of MSEA. They learned that this is considered to be one of the best organizations of its kind in the country.

“As we do our work at this Convention, we should keep these accomplishments in mind, and arm ourselves with the faith and confidence that should flow from our past successes. So armed, we should turn away from the naysayers, we should listen with respect to any honest views different from our own, and then we should go forward with confidence, embracing policies that can make this excellent organization even better.”

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Convention delegates voted for a $2 million 1989 MSEA budget which calls for a 35-cent weekly membership dues increase effective in January, 1989. The dues increase addresses an anticipated rise in the union’s negotiating costs and a 4% staff salary increase in 1989.

MSEA’s budget is presented in two parts. Part I, covering ongoing costs of existing MSEA programs such as collective bargaining, was approved.

“Our 1989 budget is driven largely by a heavy bargaining schedule and by a substantial increase in staff employee health insurance premiums,” said MSEA Treasurer Brad Ronco. “MSEA will be documenting any savings in the budget which may result from SEIU providing services to MSEA that we would otherwise have contracted out or performed ourselves.

“I’m pleased to report," he added, “that because of action taken by the 1987 Convention, our financial condition has improved substantially. Our cash balances are approaching more workable levels.”

John Sweeney at MSEA's Convention.

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The guest speaker at MSEA’s Convention banquet on Saturday night November 4 flew, up through rain and fog from Washington, D.C. to be there. As the 45th Annual Meeting of the Maine State Employees Association drew to a close, delegates welcomed him warmly. His subject, of course, was the Convention vote approving a trial affiliation with the Service Employees International Union, and SEIU President John Sweeney talked about the common goals shared by both organizations.

“On behalf of the 875,000 members of SEIU in the United States and Canada, I want to say 'thank you’ for joining us,” Sweeney told MSEA delegates, "and add my personal assurance that your faith and trust have not been misplaced. MSEA is your Maine union.”

He welcomed the affiliation as one between strong partners — MSEA as one of the “most effective independent unions in the country,” and SEIU as one of the “most effective international unions in the country.”

Making reference to the bitter Presidential election campaign, Sweeney noted that many union representa­ tion elections have been far tougher.

“No matter who becomes President,” he said, “we all face an uncertain future.”

He cited four new public attitudes held by Americans —■ that they feel economically vulnerable, see a breakdown in communities, are skeptical of current economic policies, and are showing renewed support for government activism. He spoke of what addressed polls show people now would like to see their government do.

“They want government to promote industrial growth, to provide a job for everyone who wants one . . . to promote social and economic justice . .. and increase spending for health programs, education, day care, and help for the poor and homeless.”

Public employees, Sweeney asserted, are ready to deliver what Americans need and want from govern­ ment.

“Things change only because we make them change,” he said, “through collective action, through organizing, through bargaining, and through legislative and political action. That’s why affiliation between our unions is so important.

“You help us by adding your voices to those of the 475,000 public employees we already represent in 40 states. We help you by adding the clout of 43,000 public employees we already represent in New England.

"We help each other because we work as partners to bring about the changes needed in our society and to win for ourselves and our families the wages, benefits, rights, and respect we deserve.”

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By Jim Webster 1989 will be a busy and productive year. MSEA will be working in many forums to continue to provide services our membership needs.

Soon legislators will arrive in town. As you know the legislative session alone keeps us very busy. There are literally hundreds of bills each year that come before the legislature. These bills have to be carefully scrutinized to determine the impact, if any, on the 13,000 members MSEA represents. MSEA also introduces bills that will impact on our members.

For our retiree members, having the state picking up cost of medicare part B premium is just one example.

For our actively employed members, bills to help members cope with the increasing responsibility that public employees are expected to deal with.

Another job that will have to be accomplished next year is negotiation of new contracts. Every bargaining unit MSEA represents will be bargaining in 1989. This will require a tremendous amount of time on the part of members and staff.

The ability to bargain is the essence of a union. It allows members to make their case to management that improvements have to be made in order to continue doing the jobs that need to be done. Whether in the area of wages or benefits, untons must help make our jobs desirable enough for us to want to stay and do a good job, as well as guarantee us a personal life after the work day is done. We chose to work for our respective employers for many different reasons. Unions should help make it possible that we can be respected and appreciated for the jobs that we do. That respect should come from both our employer and those we serve.

Consistent with our increased commitment to communica­ tion, this round of bargaining promises to be one all members can share. Every member will have the opportunity to know what is happening at the bargaining table as soon as possible after it happens; each member will have the opportunity to participate in the process. In the end, any settlement we get is based in part on the case we make to management on the necessity of each particular proposal. We will continue to make that case by every means available.

MSEA will also be deeply involved in many labor/management settings, where we will continue to work on many different issues.

For Executive branch members, we will be wrapping up a pitot project for clerical workers we feel will immediately help many get out of present undesirable situations pursue better

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career opportunities.

Our Safety Labor/Management Committee will continue its work on development of on site safety standards to better assure our members that the environment that we work in is a safe one.

Our Employee Health Commission will be deeply involved in finding ways to provide excellent health insurance coverage to members and dependents.

MSEA’s Stress Committee in 1989 will analyze the results of their stress survey and work to remedy work situations that contribute to the stress levels of our members.

MSEA will have a number of other committees that will either be formed in 1989 or continue their work on behalf of membership.

Aside from the work that has to be done to maintain and improve the rights of MSEA members, we will also be very active on internal issues to use our resources in the most efficient and effective manner.

The Ad-hoc Committee on Stewards (soon to be renamed) will continue work making improvements in our chief steward system.

The Ad-hoc Clerical Committee will (also to be renamed) continue addressing the needs of our 2500 clerical workers.

A new committee will soon be named to deal with communications, consistent with MSEA’s continued desire to better communicate with our members.

In sum, MSEA will continue its efforts to be the best organization of its kind in Maine.

One final point. As the result of the Convention decision to affiliate with SEIU, MSEA will have a very capable partner helping us meet the challenges of next year.

SEIU has already been called upon many times in the last few weeks to provide assistance to us, and have responded admirably. Among issues where they will be of great help to us is in the area of public relations. At the Convention, someone mentioned that the affiliation campaign was communicated better than anything else this organization has ever done. Although this comment was made in reference to a “sales job,” i personally accept it as a challenge to see how we can make their abilities work for us in bargaining, the legislature, or any other forum where it is to our advantage to get our story out.

1989 promises to be an active year. My prediction is that it will be a banner year. I am looking forward to many good things happening for MSEA next year and am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as your President during these exciting times.

W h a t w e d i d in 1 9 8 8 ( n e x t p a g e )

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Although 1988 was a year when no major contract negotiations took place — a breathing space for the union before the onslaught of 1989 — nevertheless, many significant things “got done” during the year. Like any organization with a multitude of interests to pursue and problems to work on, there were setbacks as well as successes. Where we fell short, we will try to do more. In

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representing the needs of thousands of public employees who work for the State, for a city government, for the Courts, the Turnpike System, the vocational institutes, and now for the Maritime Academy — and the needs of many who have retired from public service — there will always be unfinished business.

Some of what we accomplished in 1988 is highlighted below.

L e g is la tio n In 1988, MSEA sponsored successful bills • Promoting air quality standards in Maine state office buildings (participating in the Northern New England Clean Air Coalition with SEA of New Hampshire and SEIU).

• Deferring the federal tax employees pay on their contributions to the Maine State Retirement System until after retirement.

• Creating the State Employee Health Commission, with stronger employee representation, to oversee the health insurance program.

• Continuing compensation system bargaining over standards for job descriptions in state service.

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• Also passed: $6.6 million in September’s special session for 130 staff positions at AMHI and BMHI to relieve overcrowding and staff shortages. Thanks to Senator Bev Bustin, a Commission on Mental Health (with employee representatives) has been set up to oversee Department of Mental Health programs. $350,000 to Immediately fund employee reclassifica­ tion was also approved in Special Session after strong MSEA lobbying.

Employees held a forum on Mental Health Department’s staffing crisis at the Augusta Civic Center.

MSEA’s Medical Assignment bill, which would have prohibited balanced billing of medicare patients (where patients must pay the difference above established medicare rates out-of-pocket) failed to pass. Nor were we able to get a Commission set up to audit state contracting out of public employee jobs and services to the private sector. But more will be done in both areas.

Retirees Steering Committee: working.

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• Maine Maritime Academy — Three new bargaining units were established for MSEA’s newest members.

Staff member John Marvin headed the successful campaign to bring Academy employees into the union.

• The statewide bargaining process was restructured for stronger bargaining teams and more effective presentation of demands to the State.

Thumbs up for Maine Maritime employees and MSEA.

• Contract agreements reached in 1987 for Judicial employees, VTI employees, and teachers were funded. A contract was settled early In the year for Lewiston City Government workers with a 9.5% pay increase over two years and pay upgrades for janitors and maintenance workers.

• Compensation Bargaining. Consultants have now been hired to assist current labor-management negotiations in development and testing of a new state pay system.

Legal and Field Services • Fifty-two grievance arbitration cases were resolved in 1988, 75% settled to grievant’s satisfaction. Important wins for the union occurred in the following contract areas: Acting Capacity, Discipline, Non-Discrimination, Layoff and Bumping rights, Promotion, and Transfer Rights.

She won a discrimination case.

• Resolution of 160 formal MSEA member grievances, with 170 still in process and 40 sent to arbitration. Hundreds of other member complaints, contract questions, and problems have also been handled by union standards and field staff outside of the formal procedure.

• Resolution of 32 reclassification cases, “won or settled to members’ satisfaction.” Over 70 are still pending, with cases being filed at an increasing rate.

Though MSEA has doubled the number of arbitration cases resolved in 1988 and reduced the time required for settlement, more cases are being filed and the backlog increasing. Staff attorneys are working full-time on arbitrations, leaving little time for other legal issues. MSEA will need to address this issue in 1989.

Reclass at Pineland.

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• An employee Pre-retirement Program was created in conjunction with the Bureau of Employee Health. MSEA also held our second Retiree Conference in June, drawing 250 retirees and guests. The main topic was long-term care.

First pre-retirement program.

• The Sixth Union Summer School and Leadership and Steward Conferences were held for union activists. The Employee Assistance Program, aimed at training stew­ ards and supervisors in recognizing and treating problems employees have at or bring to the workplace continues to develop.

Betty Robinson and stewards at training conference.

• This year, MSEA began a publication for leadership, Insider.

• Self-insurance of MSEA’s Income Protection Plan.

Benefit Managment of Maine, Inc., was hired to process claims. Cost savings and more administrative control over the program are expected benefits.

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Twenty-three resolutions were submitted to the MSEA Convention in Rockport this year —the fewest in a tong time, helping the two-day business meeting move swiftly. Twelve were approved by delegates. Two of those amended the MSEA Constitution and By-Laws. One resolution was referred to the Organization Review Committee for action at the next Convention. Resolution 88-1 on affiliation was approved by a large majority of delegates present and will have continuing impact on MSEA in years to come.

CHANGE TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, • That it is the sense of this body that the MSEA Convention should not occur during the three weeks preceding a major election if there is any way to accomplish this objective without a substantial increase in convention costs.

• That this Council create the Legislative Affairs Committee as a standing committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: • That Section 9 of the By-Laws be amended as follows: 9.28 LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: shall consist of up to 12 members, 4 per area with at least 1 retiree per area, its duty shall be to act as a steering committee and to assist the membership with data, information and direction with regards to MSEA’s legislative goals, agenda, and programs that affect the membership, both active and retired.

OTHER RESOLUTIONS Affiliation • That the contract with SEIU be ratified and that by its terms MSEA affiliate with SEIU. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That MSEAjoin the Maine Federation of the AFL-CIO, such membership to be subject to termination at any MSEA Annual Convention.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the MSEA Board of Directors be required by this resolution to submit any resolution for disaffiliation to the Council provided that the resolution is sponsored as provided by the By-Laws, providing the time limits provided by the agreement are met and provided that the Board meets its obligation to hear SEIU and then make its recommendation to the Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the MSEA Finance Committee report annually to the annual MSEA Convention, during the trial period, what the budget would have been but for affiliation, so that the Council may stay informed of the net cost of the affiliation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Organization Review Committee develop propos­ als for the 1989 Annual Council Meeting as to how MSEA should select delegates to the SEIU Convention and to State AFL-CIO Conventions and similar meetings, and that to the extent such appointments are required to be made on an interim basis prior to the 1989 Convention the Committee shall recommend an interim policy to the Board of Directors which shall then set that interim policy.

(1989 AFL-CIO Convention) • That the President and Vice-President are members of the MSEA delegation [to the 1989 AFL-CIO Convention]: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That each chapter/tocal shall be given one delegate [to the AFL-CIO Convention] and remaining delegates shall be allocated to chapters in proportion to their MSEA membership; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Area Caucuses shall fill the delegation if the chapter/tocal does not elect a full delegation by 60 days before the AFL-CIO Convention.• • That MSEA will support SEIU in response to the contracting-out of our members’ jobs by organizing agencies receiving funds for the provision of contracted services.

• That MSEA seek in the Maine Legislature to have those retirees who pay the monthly deductible for Part B of

Retiree Delegate Eric Snowdeal (left) is a second behind others on a resolution vote at the ’88 MSEA Convention.

Medicare reimbursed for that amount.

• That the MSEA members of the Maine State Employees Health Commission work with the bargaining committees and teams and those who develop MSEA’s legislative program to support policies which will reduce the members cost of health insurance and help reduce the overall costs without reducing coverage; and that these efforts include opposition to legislatively imposed benefits, support of legislation to increase our ability to use our market power to buy our health services at the best price, development of an optional plan or plans to offer more choice to members, and seeking through any appropriate forum a means to reduce the member’s share of family coverage.

(Concerning Maine Maritime Academy Employees) • That this Convention go on record in welcoming the three newest bargaining units to become members of MSEA. We look forward to a long and happy relationship.

• That MSEA Bargaining Teams be recognized by this Convention for their dedication and unselfish willingness to serve the MSEA membership in an often long and difficult bargaining process, and that they be encouraged by regular support and communication from the membership throughout each and every bargaining process.

The Resolution befow was referred to the Organization Review Committee.

• That this Convention adopt the following as the operating rules for our VEBA Board: 1) that all members of the VEBA Board shall be members of the income protection plan; and must be bonded; 2) that the VEBA Board shall be made up of 9 members, each of whom shall be a trustee of the VEBA; 3) that there shall be 3 VEBA Trustees from each area of MSEA; 4) that VEBA Trustees be appointed by the MSEA Board of Directors by majority vote; 5) that the term of office for a VEBA Trustee shall be for 3 years and that no trustee shall serve more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms; 6) that no sitting MSEA Board member shall serve as a VEBA Trustee; 7) that the 1989 MSEA Board shall appoint as VEBA Trustees 3 members from each area, 1 member from each area shall serve a 1-year term, 1 member from each area shall serve a 2-year term, and 1 member from each area shall serve a 3-year term.

• That this Convention express its appreciation to those members serving as Stewards for their continuing efforts, on behalf of the membership.

• That the Convention express its appreciation to all retired MSEA members who have served and continue to serve on behalf of fellow MSEA members, active and retired.

• That the Convention express its thanks and appreciation to the MSEA professional and support staff for the jobs they do in behalf of all members of MSEA.

K id n e y S p e a k e rs

F o u n d a tio n B u re a u

F o rm e d

Persons from all over Maine are members of the newly formed Kidney Foundation of Maine Speakers Bureau and are available to speak to service clubs, church groups, business organizations, schools, and others. They can speak on giving the gift of life — organ donation, and on various aspects of kidney problems, often from a patient’s perspective. For more information on how to obtain a speaker, call the Kidney Foundation of Maine at 7727270.

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Maine Stater

December, 1988

1988 Awards When you find a union label, it means that the product was made by union members who are proud of it. For MSEA, this couldn’t be more true. Our members who volunteer their best for the union — and there are many — do so in behalf of everyone. You can’t see it, but the union label is there.

Outstanding MSEA m em ber George Burgoyne, Penob­ scot Chapter, MSEA Board Director.

Outstanding Chapter Grace Foster Chapter, Don LaBranche, President.

Outstanding Staff Members: Joan Towle, Director, Finance and Administration; Carmen Gardner, Account Clerk.

Outstanding Legislator for 1988: Senator Beverty Bustin (D-Augusta).

Special Recognition was given to Richard McDonough for his years of service to MSEA on the Maine State Retirement System’s Board of Trustees.

Other MSEA members recognized for their special contributions to the union: Area I — Paul Gilbert and Nancy Henry; Area li — Frank Kadi and Carol Fleury; Area ill — John Veader and Wayne Hollingworth; Retirees — John McCusker and Alix Caldwell.

1 9 8 8 O utstanding m em ber G eo rg e B urgoyne.

D ick M olan, left, a long-tim e M S E A friend w ho w orks in the SEA o f N e w Ham pshire, g ets som e recognition from M SEA

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By Legislative Affairs Director John Lemieux Legislators endorsed by MSEA’s PAGE Committee will make up a majority of both houses of the Legislature. This good news in the recent election will be important to us as we pursue our legislative agenda over the next two years.

In the Maine Senate, 21 of 28 endorsed candidates won election (75%). Two Senate newcomers, Steve Bost (D-Orono) and Bonnie Titcomb (D-Casco), defeated incum­ bents with active support from our members. MSEA members also played a prominent role in helping Senator I Beverly Busin retain control of her Augusta-area Senate district. She faced a tough challenge from outgoing Augusta Mayc Peter Thompson, who had the strong support of Gove rnor McKeman.

Ur fortunately, Senator Chuck Dow (D-Gardiner) and Senator John Tuttle (D-Sanford) were defeated in their re-election bids. Their presence will be missed.

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The Maine Stater welcomes letters from MSEA members on issues of general concern to the mem­ bership!

A ffilia tio n To the Editor: This letter is being written for two reasons. Firstly, it is to let MSEA know that this was one of the better Conventions I’ve attended in the past fourteen years. It was run very well, there was no debate cut-off, everyone had the opportunity to voice their opinions without feeling intimidated, and in the end there was no hostility but rather a sense of accomplish­ ment.

Secondly, as the membership well knows, the courtship with SEIU has entered into what I refer to as the engagement period. We, the delegates, debated the pros & cons of affiliation completely. It is now the responsibility of the membership to become involved and better educated before the marriage is consummated at the end of the fourth year.

At the Convention, it was voted that each chapter elect its own delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention to be held this August. This will allow participation at the local level. To those who are concerned about this affiliation, there is a mechanism to disaffiliate at any time during the next four years.

In closing, I feel we should give this new “union” an opportunity to prove itself and above all to remain united.

Sincerely, Shirley Rosen Cumberland Chapter

To the Editor: The 1988 Convention will go down in the history of MSEA as a historic one. It will turn out to be remembered so both for the decisions that were made and the way in which those decisions were made. Obviously, the affiliation debate was the focus of attention. The decision to go fonward with a trial affiliation with SEIU was as significant a decision as this union has made since the decision that MSEA should be a union, instead of a chowder and marching society, was made. But I think that there was another aspect of the '88 Convention that should be given some notice.

Many delegates who had attended the 1986 and 1987 Conventions, both of which had gone into Sunday morning, were becoming concerned about the fate of our representa­ tive system. Those who had attended the 1984 Convention were even more concerned. Had MSEA grown so large and so diverse that we were becoming unable to govern ourselves? Did going to Convention have to be such a hardship on the delegates that we would become increasingly unable to find members willing to serve as

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In the House, 78 of 93 endorsed candidates were elected (84%). Among these, twelve will be freshman representa­ tives this year. Many of these new faces come from union backgrounds, such as Elden McKeen (D-Windham) (Railway Workers), Everett Pederson (D-Bangor) (Firefighters), Ed Pineau (D-Jay) (Paperworkers), and our own George Townsend (D-Eastport), MSEA. We can only hope that this will mean a new era for labor interests in the House.

Two endorsed incumbents were defeated: Guy Scarpino (l-St. George) and Ken Matthews (R-Caribou). Our thanks goes out to them for their support over the years.

1988 was a challenging election: we had to fight hard to keep the friends we have. Some good friends lost, but most will be back. There are many new legislators who signal a strong future for MSEA interests in the legislature. We must now translate our election successes into legislation achievements during 1989 and 1990. And it’s not too early to be planning ahead to the election of 1990!

P A G E T h a n k s On behalf of PAGE, I would like to thank all those MSEA members across the state who worked to support our candidates for the 1989 Legislature. Whether this took the form of working on phone banks to turnout our membership vote, or involved direct participation in campaigns —our electoral effort this year was extensive.

To all those who participated, thank you!

Frank Kadi PAGE Chair

delegates? Had we tost the ability to go to Convention and deal with the tough issues that needed to be decided?

The 1988 Convention gave a resounding answer to all these questions. The delegates discussed, debated, and then decided. The Convention dealt with all the issues, including affiliation, the toughest issue that MSEA has had to consider since the 1970’s. The delegates did this all at a pace that let all that needed to be said get said. And the Convention finished the union’s business Saturday afternoon.

The delegates had proven that our Convention system does work. By doing so they insured MSEA’s ability to deal with the tough problems that will demand a decision in the future.

Not only because of what was decided but because of the way in which those decisions were made, MSEA is a stronger and better union. As we took to the 16 contracts that we need to negotiate, the legislative bills, especially the medicare pick up bill for retirees, that we need to make sure become law, and to our ability to enforce the provisions of current contracts; we should do so with the confidence of knowing that if we all work together we can make MSEA the best union there ever could be.

A very proud MSEA member, George Burgoyne Letter to the Editor: Dear Jim, Mary Anne, and Affiliation Committee Members: The George Leadbetter Chapter would like to congratulate you on the amount of time and work you put into presenting the Study Report on Affiliation to the Statewide Chapter leadership and the membership at large. We feel your concentrated efforts enabled the delegates at the Annual Convention to be soundly convinced that the trial period of affiliation with SEIU is in the best interest of the membership they represent.

We intend to spend the next year of this trial period, presenting all the information to our chapter members, that will educate them to the vast opportunities available to us.

Again, thank you for your efforts and count on our support in this first exciting year of affiliation with SEIU. Sincerely, George Leadbetter Chapter Carol Fleury, Secretary To the Editor: If affiliation with the SEIU is such a good and so important an idea, why not put it to a popular vote?

The Ferry crews say NO on this issue.

Respectfully, Vangel Asimakopoutos

Cloture Date for Upcoming Session is December 30.

December 30, 1988 has been set as the cloture date for the First Session of the 114th Maine Legislature. All bills must be submitted by this date to be considered during the session.

MSEA submits bills (through legislative sponsors) to address our members’ interests as public employees. If any members have an idea for a bill for this year, they should contact John Lemieux at MSEA Headquarters as soon as possible.

C a n d id a te fo r M S R S T r u s te e S e a t To the Editor: Fred Hollingdale Chapter, at their November 17, 1988 chapter meeting, unanimously endorsed their member, Lorna L. Uimer, as a candidate for the MSEA seat being vacated by Dick McDonough on the Maine State Retirement System, Board of Trustees, representing the membership of the Maine State Employees Association.

Ms. Ulmer has been employed by the State of Maine and a member of the Maine State Employees Association for 28 years. During this period she has worked in the Dept, of Civil Defense, Bureau of Taxation, Dept, of Human Services, Dept, of Transportation and with the Maine State Retirement System since June 1970.

Many of our members know Ms. Ulmer in her capacity as the Supervisor of the State Group Life Insurance Program, having been involved in the “New Employee Orientation Program” and. more recently, in her participation in the Pre-retirement Planning Seminar sponsored by the Maine State Employees Association and the Bureau of Employee Health, in cooperation with the American Association of Retired Persons. Ms. Ulmer was a delegate to the MSEA State Convention held in 1987 and again in 1988. She is an active participant at the worksite, in her church and community, and is committed to the people that make up the active and retired membership of the Maine State Retirement System.

Sincerely, Janice E. Thomas, President Donna L. Gilbert, Secretary Leonid Giroux, Jr., Vice President Delora M. Farrington, Treasurer Fred Hollingdale Officers T h e ro ad a h e a d To the Editor: The end of another year is fast approaching, but the Clerical Steering Committee can say it got off to a productive start during that time. The committee dealt with the survey and its results which lead to a number of proposals being submitted to the Statewide Bargaining Committee. We also held a rally in Capitol Park in September that helped generate an interest in becoming involved in the bargaining process now underway. That interest lead to the majority of the Administrative Services Unit being represented by clericals and all four of the team positions being filled by clericals.

As a committee, we still have a tong road ahead of us during this next year. We need to continue the work and progress with new members willing to make a commitment to this goal. The current members have given a year and a half to this committee and have done an excellent job laying the foundation. The next committee needs to start building.

I wish to personally thank Jeannine Boulanger, Roberta LaVallee, Nancy Drake, Roberta Schmitt, Jennifer Paul and Jeannine Genest for their time and efforts.

If you feel you can make a commitment to this committee for a year, please contact Jim Webster at MSEA Headquarters, 65 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04330 (622-3151) and let him know of your interest in the committee. If you would also like to establish yourself as a contact person for your worksite, also submit that information to headquarters. Jim will be looking to name a new committee after the first of the year.

Members of the Clerical Steering Committee

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Southern Maine retirees meet: Lunch at Michel’s Restaurant in Westbrook on October 25 brought out nearly 100 retiree chapter members. Guests from MSEA included MSEA President Jim Webster and staff members John Marvin and Don Matson.

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o u n c i l o f S e n i o r C i t i z e n s Travel Service MSEA’s 1988 Convention voted in favor of a trial affiliation NCSC’s travel service provides surprisingly big discounts with the Service Employees International Union for a in both individual and group travel. four-year period beginning December 1, 1988. The affiliation means many things for active members, and it also means Local Clubs . benefits and services for our retiree membership as well.

Over 4,900 clubs throughout the country, offering NCSC As a result of the affiliation agreement, all MSEA retiree members an opportunity to meet new friends and participate members become fully paid-up members of the National in interesting activities.

Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC). The Council, founded in 1961, is an advocacy organization for senior citizens Additional Discounts throughout the country with 41/a million members. NCSC Your NCSC Gold Card entitles you to many discounts lobbies in behalf of senior citizens in Congress and in state including: Ramada, Holiday Inn, Best Western, AVIS, Hertz capitals, develops political action campaigns, and keeps and Sea World. members in touch with a variety of issues through publications and membership clubs.

Political Representation Some of the benefits NCSC also offers are highlighted For over 25 years, NCSC has represented the interests of below. All MSEA retirees will be receiving more detailed America’s seniors on Capitol Hill, the White House and at the information about the NCSC in the mail in the very near future. grassroots level.

In the meantime, MSEA’s Retirees Steering Committee will MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON! serve as a source for retiree members with questions and concerns. Contact us at MSEA! NCSC Membership Benefits Senior Citizens News NCSC’s monthly newspaper containing stimulating fea­ tures and accurate, in-depth reporting on key issues affecting seniors.

Insurance Programs Individualized insurance programs to meet your health care, hospitalization and automobile needs.

Prescription Discounts Over 10,000 different drugs are available through NCSC’s Direct Drug Service. Affordable prices and postage-paid mail delivery help you save money.

d

N a tio n a l C o u n c il o f S e n io r C itiz e n s 925 15th Street, N.W. • Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 347-8800

Page 15

Maine Stater

December, 1988 MSEA Budget, Part VI

Legislative, Training, and Communications Services at MSEA Last in the Stater series describing how members’ weekly dues are to be used in the MSEA budget are the areas of legislation, education and training, and public relations. Each of these areas roughly takes up the same percent of weekly dues (51/2%, 6%, and 71/2% respectively) — but they serve very different purposes for union members.

Legislative costs are primarily directly toward supporting our public employee membership’s political goals. Education and training focuses on union leadership skills. Public relations essentially tells the story of how public employees work together in the union.

MSEA staff members employed in these three areas draw on resources provided by many people in the union and in the community. John Lemieux is MSEA’s Legislative Affairs Director; Wanda Ingham the union’s Education Director; and Don Matson the Communications Director. Assisting them with support staff services are: Beth Jackson (Legislative), and Donna Davis and Doris Pietroski (Education and Training, Public Relations).

How Weekly Membership Dues Are Allocated In MSEA’s Budget M em bership

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During the last four years, I’ve been responsible for promoting MSEA’s legislative agenda, working with members and staff on issues that need to be addressed in that forum.

Often that translates into developing specific bills.

For example, recently we developed legislation establish­ ing statewide standards for air quality in state office buildings.

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legislative appropriations for state government and for maintaining department staff levels and decent working conditions for employees.

As a compliment to this MSEA has a Legislative Affairs Committee — members educating other members on legislative issues and grass roots lobbying.

Members’ dues also cover our political action (PAGE) administrative costs. A separate fund (voluntary contribu­ tions) exists for the purpose of making PAGE contributions to candidates running for office. Successful political work by m e m b e rs is th e fo u n d a tio n fo r a ll MSEA's le g is la tiv e work.

John Lemieux

Tm responsible for designing, planning and coordinating education and training activities for membership throughout the year. For example, developing skills for our stewards, enabling them to better represent fellow employees at the worksite. Specific areas would be ghevance handling, dealing with supervisors, and sex discrimination at the workplace.

MSEA also holds an annual leadership conference for chapter officers, aiding them in communication skills and

running union meetings, and giving them access to information about current union events.

Other specific programs we have for MSEA members include the union Summer School, the pre-retirement program, new employee ohentation, and employee assis­ tance program training fpr stewards and supervisors.

Really, we assess the needs of our membership and try to meet those needs through leadership programs.

Wanda Ingham

Public relations covers a large territory. Many union leaders and staff members are regularly involved in helping to get the union’s message across to the membership and to the public.

My first responsibility is as an editor, to see that our primary publication the Maine Stater keeps members informed about what the union does and plans to do, and serves as a voice for a broad range of public employee concerns.

We communicate with a wide variety of Maine citizens, including employees and their families, retired members, lawmakers, other unions and community organizations. I help keep the information flowing.

Don Matson

MSEA has many ways of publicizing issues we're involved in, whether it be contract bargaining, the political process, or workplace rights. We do it internally and through the public media. As a significant, influencing force in Maine — not just in Augusta, but in communities statewide — public employees and their union are literally in the public’s eye every day of the year. We are seen and heard.

It’s always a two-way street. When there are things the union wants, points we want to make, there are surely other balancing needs, different community concerns that need to be heard.

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You can be a more active MSEA member working in behalf of fellow Maine public employees by serving on one of our 1989 Standing, Special, or Ad Hoc Committees. We need you!

Committee work requires some time, strong commitment, and taking responsibility for successful results in the coming year. Members who bring imagination and energy to MSEA committees will be contributing much toward meeting union goals. Please volunteer!

Contact MSEA Headquarters in writing (see application below) or your MSEA Board Directors, or send a letter to MSEA President Jim Webster c/o MSEA.

The MSEA Constitution requires the following for our Committees to operate successfully: • Only one member of a chapter may serve at one time on a Standing Committee.

• No member (other than a statewide officer of MSEA) may serve more than three consecutive terms on a Standing Committee.

• All Standing Committees are appointed for one year and report annually to the Board of Directors and Convention Delegates.

Standing Committees Constitution & By-Laws — Reviews MSEA’s Constitution and By-Laws and recommends revisions or modifications.

Reviews and approved new or changed chapter/local constitutions. Meets regularly.

Special Committees Convention — Plans the Convention and works closely with staff during the Convention. Meets regularly, especially in the fall.

Elections & Credentials — Supervises election of statewide MSEA officers and elected members of statewide committees or boards, as well as other elections when needed. Serves as the Credentials Committee responsible for seating delegates to the Convention. Meets in fall to plan for annual elections as needed.

Membership Benefits — Explores group-buying or discount opportunities for members and recommends programs for union sponsorship. Meets regularly.

Organizational Review — Reviews MSEA internal structure, resources, representation, and communications services, and makes recommendations for improvement. Meets regularly.

Legislative Affairs — Created to monitor legislation and educate members on issues coming up in the Legislature.

Also deals with MSEA’s lobbying activities. Meets regularly during legislative session.

Resolutions — Reviews, consolidates, and recommends action on all resolutions submitted to the Convention. Meets during the summer and early fall in preparation for the Convention.

Scholarship — Administers MSEA’s scholarship program including screening of applicants and awarding twelve annual scholarships. Meets as needed in the late winter and spring.

Retirees Steering — Develops measures which benefit retirees; protects the integrity of the Maine State Retirement System; improves communication among retirees. Meets monthly, except summer.

Ad Hoc (as needed) Committees Clerical — Created to increase union participation of the clerical workers MSEA represents; offers a forum for those employees to seek to improve career opportunities. Meets regularly.

Handicapped Accessibility — Created to improve aware­ ness of the need for accessibility in Maine public workplaces.

Meets regularly.

Pre-retirement — Responsible for setting up and facilitating MSEA’s pre-retirement programs to be held in 1989. Meets regularly.

Steward — Will review the Chief Steward system in 1989 and make recommendations for change to the MSEA Board of Directors. Meets in winter and spring.

In Addition, MSEA has a number of labor-management committees set up with the state to address workplace issues. They are the safety, health, stress, employee assistance program, and statewide (now dealing with educational leave policy) labor-management committees. If you would like to serve on any one of these committees when vacancies occur, please contact MSEA President Jim Webster.

Staff Review — Works in coordination with staff to review organizational and membership needs.

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March 17 — The Algarve — March 31 A garden overlooking the sea, where winter brings a “blizzard” of almond blossoms. This is the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost province.

A sunny coastline of magnificent beaches, secret coves, and white-washed towns on the cliffs above the sea.

The Algarve is also History. Romans left their roads and bridges, and 500 years of Arab domination are visible in the charactristic flat-roofed cubic houses.

Moorish castles dot the countryside waiting to be explored. The climate is famous for its year-round mildness with spring temperatures ranging from 70 to 76 degrees. The people of the Algarve are hospitable, affable and friendly. You can explore this fantastic coastline at leisure — from Sagres to the Spanish border to the East. You can get to know all the beautiful towns and luxury resorts, the fine restaurants and little cafes, the rolling green countryside.

Your Algarve Vacation Includes: * Roundtrip Airfare with TAP Portugal Wide Body Jets Boston/Lisbon/Boston. * One bedroom or studio accommoations at TORRALTA APARTMENTS located on the beach, 2 miles from the town of Portimao for thirteen nights/fourteen days. * Roundtrip Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport including Porterage. * Half-day sightseeing to Sagres. * The Assistance of Local Hosts in the Algarve for Optional Tours, Car Rentals, Reconfirmation of Your Return Flights, etc. * All Service Charges and Hotel Taxes. * Full American Breakfast daily in Cabana Restaurants. * Optional meal plan in Cabana Restaurant at $9.20 per person per day.

Total cost per person — Studio — MSEA Rate: $642.24 Total cost per person — One Bedroom Apartment —MSEA Rate: $671.04 One bedroom apartment are limited. Early booking is highly recommended. A deposit of $100 per person is required, with balance due 45 days prior to departure.

Call 774-0391 or 1-800-343-8747

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P u z z le W in n e r s (Featured in the September Stater) Kathleen Beck (Retiree) Sanford Name

V o lu n te e r fo r 1 9 8 9 M SE A C o m m itte e s Work Tel:

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Leigh Boyer (Transportation Chapter) Augusta Randolph Huber (Human Services — Sr. Computer Programmer) Hartland

(first committee choice) (second committee choice) (third committee choice) Please return to MSEA, 65 State St., Augusta, ME 04330

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Bea Lessard (Retiree) Gardiner David Hilton (Conservation — Forest Watchperson) New Gloucester David also won the free weekend for two at the Samoset Resort during the 1988 Convention.

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